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As a beginner/average pianist, I was planning to purchase a Yamaha G1, but I recently learned about the "gray market", in which the pianos vary in quality/wood/humidity between manufactures in Indonesia and Japan. Also, I am seeing a wide range of pricing from $5k to $10k.

Any insight you can provide is greatly appreciated!

1) Am I in the weeds or doing the correct research?

2) Does the "gray market" exist?

3) Would you buy off Craigslist or a dealer that has been in business for 25+ years?

4) What % of discount can you get from a dealer on an "already" discounted piano? it seems like every dealers is having a "sale".

The G1 hasn't been made since the mid 1990's. The model was upgraded to become the C1. However, there have also been similarly named models, GH1, GC1 (same size), GA1, GB1, GP1 (all slightly smaller) and perhaps a few I've missed.

The C1 is the best of the group. IMO, the G1 compares favorably with the GC1 overall but I prefer the tone of the mellower G1.

There are mountains of opinions about gray market. Research this site and read several threads. FWIW, I feel that current condition is the most important test of any used piano.

Ditto as for PianoWorksATL That was easy!In all these years,having owned and direct imported over 1000+ gray market pianos both grands and uprts.,I've only brought in maybe 2 preowned(gray market) G1(s) from Japan. Come to think of it,I don't even know if you could find one freshly imported. Maybe one that has been in the states for a while already. It is more beneficial to bring in the larger grands as in G2 and up.In any gray market piano one assesses the PRESENT condition of said piano.

The goal would be to search for a mid nineties low milage onethat someone purchased from a Yamaha dealer in the states. They are out there. With a brand new GC1 being priced well below a new C1, a preowned G1 can be obtained for a good price nowadays. Personally I'd rather have a mint mid 90's G1J than a newer GC1.

Keep asking questions here; you're in the right place! Also check out the Piano Buyer (ad on the left). You can read it free online. My first question to you is if you are only considering Yamaha or if you are open to other brands?

Originally Posted By: DaveChef

2) Does the "gray market" exist?

It is alive and well. Although times have changed and there are many more options these days in your budget.

Originally Posted By: DaveChef

3) Would you buy off Craigslist or a dealer that has been in business for 25+ years?

You have to do more due diligence with Craigslist. But it's a good place for great deals if you are patient and careful. Be sure to hire a tech to inspect used pianos.

Originally Posted By: DaveChef

4) What % of discount can you get from a dealer on an "already" discounted piano? it seems like every dealers is having a "sale".

That really depends. I would say ask for another 15% and see where that ends up. You have to show that you are ready to buy at that very moment.